HPU continues tradition of holiday decorations
Holiday decorations at HPU are one of the many traditions that students look forward to each year. From the life size nutcrackers that line the promenade to a new life-size nativity scene, HPU celebrates the holidays with its students and the surrounding community in many ways. Photo by: Cristy Hernandez
By Meg Thomson, Staff Writer
High Point University is famous across the state for its beautiful holiday decorations. The decorations float into the sky and appear on our buildings the moment the air turns crisp. The decorations become the talk of campus as they light up the buildings and bridges, reflecting the water from fountains. HPU’s Campus Enhancement team is kicking it up a notch this year, making campus the place to be once again this holiday season.
All of the decorations from last year have returned to campus this winter. The campus will continue to be filled with large interior Christmas trees, wreaths on various buildings, and nutcrackers lining the Promenade, along with the holiday songs playing throughout the area- making your walk to class gleam with the holiday spirit. The large nutcrackers in the Wanek Center have returned, as well, so don’t forget to get your annual photo with them while you can.
Some returning decorations are being altered to make them even better than before; the atrium hanging decorations in the Slane Student Center have been expanded and altered to be larger, filling up the overhanging space.
“We are adding large holiday banners and wreaths to the fronts of Smith Library and Hayworth Fine Arts Center,” said Troy Thompson, Director of Campus Enhancement.
A new life-size nativity scene was donated by Mark Phillips, the owner of Phillips Collection in High Point, and is displayed on the corner of Panther Drive and University Avenue, adjacent to Norton Hall. According to HPU president, Dr. Nido Qubein, the nativity scene will be returning in the years to come.
The process for holiday decorations is a large one, requiring a lot of work from a sizable staff.
“It is a collaborative effort,” said Thompson. “We take feedback from students, faculty, and staff, and implement what we believe fits our goals of creating a classic, holiday feel on campus.”
That effort has been a success over the course of the years. Students continue to post photos all across social media, expressing their love and joy for the holiday spirit.
In addition to the decorations put into place for the students, HPU will continue to host its fourth annual Community Christmas Celebration in which thousands of community members are invited to campus for various activities and viewings of all of the holiday decorations.
“The Community Christmas Celebration is a local tradition that allows the city of High Point and beyond to come and enjoy the holidays on our campus,” said Roger Clodfelter, vice president of communications. “We are always excited to welcome our neighbors and other community members to share the warmth of the holidays.”
Last year’s Community Christmas brought in 10,000 people throughout the two-day event. All of the food and activities are free of charge.
“There are so many activities and sights for children and adults to enjoy. Local school and church choirs perform, Santa takes photos with children and snow falls in front of the Wanek Center,” Clodfelter said.
Hot chocolate and coffee are served throughout campus while Santa’s elves roam campus and carriage rides stroll through campus. This year’s event is being held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 18 and 19 here on our campus. For more information, visit highpoint.edu/christmas.
